It’s Time to Stop Kicking the Can and Ban Canned Hunting

Typically, canned hunting involves going to a game ranch or reserve, paying a fee, and hunting the animal(s) of your choice within the convenient confines of that ranch. South Africa is notorious for attracting foreigners to its canned hunts, but this practice is also fairly widespread in the United States. Perhaps surprisingly, various loopholes mean that even endangered species can be killed in canned hunts. Despite ethical objections from both animal welfare and hunting groups, canned hunting remains legal in many states.

Obviously, canned hunting is beyond harmful for animals on the receiving end of a bullet or arrow. However, the indirect effects of canned hunting on animal welfare and the environment are similarly detrimental. For instance, many of the captive animals are raised under poor conditions and at high population densities, leading to the spread of disease both within ranches and between captive and wild animals. Tuberculosis and chronic wasting disease, among others, have been documented in herds of animals bred for canned hunts. The introduction of these diseases into populations of native wildlife could further cause widespread environmental problems.

It is not just animal welfare groups that are opposed to canned hunting – even hunting groups have spoken out against the practice, arguing that it contradicts the principles of a “fair chase.” Indeed, some hunting groups refuse to consider any animals killed during canned hunts for their record lists. With renewed attention generated by the recent documentaries “Blood Lions” and “Trophy”, perhaps there will be enough momentum to take steps towards ending this barbaric, unethical, and pointless practice once and for all – not only in the United States but worldwide.